BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury admits he has given up including Tyson Nelson in his squad this season.

The Australian youngster had been declared for the Selco Brummies in a doubling-up position with Josh Auty, only to hit visa trouble which delayed his return to the UK.

Latest estimates from Nelson’s Premier League club Rye House, who have to handle the application paperwork, are that it could be mid-June before the situation is resolved and Drury is not prepared to wait that long.

He is mindful of the fact he needs a credible alternative to Auty as although the Yorkshireman is the preferred rider for the position, the number of postponements across the sport due to the recent wet spell means there is a risk of Auty’s Premier League club Scunthorpe having fixtures re-arranged which clash with Birmingham’s in the Elite League.

“It’s very unfortunate for Nelson because he’s a talented young rider and we were looking forward to using him, but we can’t wait any longer now,’’ said Drury (pictured).

“I’m putting plans in place to sign a rider to share the spot with Josh and, all being well, we should be in a position to confirm it by midweek.

“We did bring in Ritchie Hawkins initially but that was only intended as a short-term measure when we had no idea this was going to drag on so long.

“We can’t afford to leave ourselves severely weakened if Josh has to miss a meeting and that’s why we’re making this move.”

Drury has also confirmed Ben Barker will be fit to face Peterborough at Perry Barr on Thursday as the Brummies get back into Elite League action for the first time in a month.

Barker was forced to pull out after three rides of his Premier League club Plymouth’s match at Rye House on Saturday due to sickness.

Drury said: “Ben had a stomach bug but there will be no problem for Thursday. ‘He saw the track doctor at Rye House and then his own doctor and they both said he’d just picked something up, but he’ll be okay later this week.”